Roof sealants don’t just cover leaks in your roof; they also provide a protective coating to prevent water damage and sunlight penetration. Sealants come in several different forms. Some are made of polyurethane and rubber, while others are made of acrylic. The choice of one material over the other comes down to the intended application.
With that in mind, we tested the top-rated products on the market to bring you our top picks for the best roof sealant for shingles in 2022.
| Loctite PL S30 Roof Sealant | DAP Polyurethane Roof Sealant | Sashco Through The Roof Sealant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Value Roof Coating | Best Fast-Acting Roof Coating | |
Tube size | 10 fl. oz. | 10.1 fl. oz. | 10.5 fl. oz. |
Color | Black | Black | Clear |
Compatible shingle material | Asphalt, plastic, metal, wood | Asphalt, plastic, metal, wood | Asphalt, plastic, metal, wood |
Primary ingredient | Polyurethane | Polyurethane | Co-polymer rubber |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
How We Tested and Compared These Products
One of the main things we were looking for on our hunt for the best roof coating for shingles was water resistance. Moisture can cause untold damage to roofing beams and boards, so every sealant we tested had to have outstanding waterproofing properties.
The other thing we were interested in was their primary ingredient. Polyurethane and rubber sealants are a natural choice for many homeowners since they offer remarkable water resistance and durability. Acrylic sealants are great at deflecting sun rays but don’t offer the same level of water resistance you get from polyurethane-based caulk or rubber sealants.
Finally, they had to be from reputable manufacturers with a track record of producing long-lasting sealants. Loctite, DAP, and Sashco products ranked high on our list.
Our Pick: Loctite PL S30 Roof Sealant – Best Roof Coating Overall
Features:
- Tube size: 10 fl. oz.
- Color: Black
- Compatible roof type: Asphalt, plastic, metal, wood
- Primary ingredient: Polyurethane
The quality, performance, and durability of the Loctite PL roof sealant, was outstanding in every category of our tests. This could be attributed to the fact that it is a commercial-grade sealant designed to create a strong seal around exterior joints and gaps. Whenever we see a “commercial-grade” anything, we know that it is built to last. After all, it is what a roofing contractor would use.
Since roof shingles are the most exposed part of the entire house and are subject to a significant amount of abuse from the elements, we are happy to report that Loctite isn’t just weatherproof; it has remarkable elastomeric properties as well. It is flexible enough to expand and contract with the shingles without compromising the integrity of the seal.
We particularly like the fact that it is corrosion-resistant, does not sag, and exhibits exceptional tear resistance. Movement, stress, or adverse weather conditions, do not cause it to deteriorate. It is designed with proprietary technology that makes it ozone and UV resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it softening with consistent sun exposure.
Application is pretty easy as well. You don’t need to apply primer to the surface of the shingles before sealing them with Loctite. It is one of the few roof sealants on the market specially formulated for one-time application.
All in all, we were quite impressed with its performance and staying power. It blends seamlessly with the surrounding shingles, so you’ll hardly notice it on their outer circumference or on the sealed cracks. Its low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) formula is the icing on the cake. It doesn’t have that strong, characteristic chemical odor that’s notorious with roofing sealants. It smells a little like chocolate frosting, in our opinion. Don’t taste it, though!
- It creates a permanent, weatherproof, and waterproof coating on your house or RV roof
- Flexible elastomeric coating
- Easy, one-time application when gluing down old shingles or replacement ones
- Blends with the surrounding shingle material
- Ozone and UV-resistant
- Storing a partly used tube is a little tricky since the contents around the nozzle cure, causing blockage
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Model Number: 1618181
- Item Package Dimension: 47.63" L x 47.63" W x 287.5" H
Best Alternatives
DAP Polyurethane Roof Sealant – Best Value Roof Coating
Features:
- Tube size: 1 fl. oz.
- Color: Black
- Compatible roof type: Asphalt, plastic, metal, wood
- Primary ingredient: Polyurethane
DAP has been our number one go-to roof coating solution for years. Before we discovered Loctite PL, it was what we would always use to repair an old, damaged shingle or glue down a new one. It retains phenomenal flexibility and adhesion even in harsh weather conditions.
We live in a particularly windy area out in the country, so the shingles on our roof would constantly come off. We would only notice the resultant gaps during a heavy downpour when there would be a leak through the roof.
What we can say is this: We’ve never had to do any repeat jobs on the sections of the roof we sealed off using DAP.
This polyurethane-based sealant is 100% waterproof and can withstand a wide range of adverse weather conditions. Whether it’s -40 or 170 degrees outside, DAP can take it. This elastomeric coating offers unmatched flexibility and can withstand joint expansion and contraction by 35% both ways. That is pretty impressive if you think about it.
One of our favorite things about this commercial-grade sealant is its superior durability. It does not soften or tear even with thermal expansion due to consistent sun exposure or impact. Once you use it to glue down your shingles, it creates a permanent weatherproof seal that you’ll never have to do over – not in 50 years, anyway.
All in all, this is a solid choice for homeowners with an asphalt shingle roof or those with plastic, metal, or wood shingles on their roof.
- Creates a weatherproof and waterproof coating
- Superior thermal expansion properties
- Excellent adhesion and flexibility
- It is compatible with several roofing material types
- The shingles don’t require priming before sealant application
- It has a strong chemical-like odor
- Adhesives & Sealants
- Country of manufacture: United States
- Manufacturer: Dap
Sashco Through The Roof Sealant – Best Fast-Acting Option
Features:
- Tube size: 5 fl. oz.
- Color: Clear
- Compatible roof type: Asphalt, plastic, metal, wood
- Primary ingredient: Co-polymer rubber
Sashco is a household name in the world of roof repair accessories. This roof coating has a co-polymer base with remarkable thermal expansion properties. It is flexible enough to expand and contract with the joints without softening or tearing, even in extremely high 120-degree conditions or low sub-zero temperatures.
Unlike any of the other sealants we tested, Sashco cures remarkably fast, even in wet conditions. If you notice a leak in your ceiling during a heavy downpour, you can climb onto your roof – if you don’t mind getting wet – and apply the sealant to close off the gaps in your shingles responsible for the roof leak.
Its low VOC formula is equally impressive. It allows it to remain flexible even in freezing temperatures. While most of the other sealants on the market freeze when left in unheated garages or trucks during winter, Sashco does not. It retains its elastomeric properties even while inside the tube.
All in all, we were quite happy with it. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a fast-acting roofing sealant you can use to seal the gaps in your shingles, even in the middle of a storm.
- Adheres to a wide range of roofing materials, unlike conventional roofing cement
- Creates a watertight seal around the shingle edges – tighter than roofing tar
- Excellent thermal expansion properties and remains flexible in -25 to 120-degree temperatures
- Easy application and blends easily with the surrounding material
- Short curing time
- Nozzle blockage is quite common if you don’t close the cap properly
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Red Devil PU-970 Roof Sealant – Best Premium-Grade Roof Coating
Features:
- Tube size: 1 fl. oz.
- Color: Black
- Compatible roof type: Asphalt, plastic, metal, wood, mason
- Primary ingredient: Polyurethane
Red Devil polyurethane roof sealant is another favorite. The company has been around since 1872 and has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, commercial-grade roof sealants that last 50+ years. In short, once you use it to glue down your roof shingles or apply it along their edges to create a watertight seal, you won’t do a repeat job on the same areas until you’re old and gray.
One of the great things about it is the fact that it adheres to virtually any material you can think of, making it, hands-down, one of the most versatile polyurethane sealants around. You can use it on blacktop and asphalt roof shingles, flashings, vents, roof cracks, expansion joints, gutters, skylights, downspouts, leaders, cement, and even on cracks in your driveway.
The coating is also compatible with any metal roof made of materials like steel and aluminum, as well as with plastic, brick, concrete, plywood, and a wide range of masonry applications. Red Devil sealant has remarkable thermal expansion properties and can withstand extreme temperatures without tearing or softening, even on metal roofing. Its unmatched resistance to deterioration is backed by a 50-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. If that’s not a stamp of approval for quality and durability, we don’t know what is.
All in all, we were quite impressed with its performance. We would give it a solid 8.7 out of 10. It’s worth checking out.
- Creates a permanent watertight seal around roofing shingles
- Can withstand a wide range of temperature conditions
- Excellent thermal expansion properties
- Extremely versatile since it adheres to several different roof surface materials
- Backed by a 50-year limited warranty
- It has a characteristic chemical-like odor
- Excellent adhesion
- Extended life expectancy
- 50 year limited warranty
How to Choose the Best Roof Sealant for Shingles – Buying Guide
Roof sealant being applied to shingles (Image courtesy of Amazon)
Not all roof sealants are created equal. They usually vary in terms of type, longevity, water resistance, application, and UV reflectivity. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of factors to consider when choosing the best roof coating for shingles.
Type
Sealants can be grouped into five different categories based on their primary ingredient.
1. Acrylic
Acrylic roof sealants are quite popular in the south and west, where sun-damaged roofs are a common sight. While they’re mainly designed to deflect UV rays, they do offer an adequate amount of water resistance. They’re best suited for sloped roof applications. A flat roof would collect pools of water, which acrylic sealants would not be able to withstand.
If you’re concerned about your RV roof absorbing too much heat, this would be the best cool roof coating to get. An acrylic RV roof sealant will keep the interior of your camper significantly cool, even in the hot summer sun.
2. Polyurethane
Polyurethane sealants offer exceptional water resistance but are not as good at deflecting UV rays from the sun. To get the best of both worlds, ensure that the polyurethane-based roofing sealant you pick for your shingles also has ozone and UV resistance properties to protect your roof against the effects of snow, rain, and sunshine. They are infinitely more effective than conventional roof cement.
3. Silicone
Silicone coatings offer both sunlight and water protection, making them an excellent choice for protecting your shingles against adverse weather conditions. The downside to a silicone sealant is that it is significantly more expensive than polyurethane-based and acrylic-based roof sealants. If you’re a homeowner on a budget, a silicone roof sealant would not be a feasible solution to cover your entire roof.
4. Rubber
Sealants in this category come in the form of liquid rubber. They usually have a thick consistency and offer remarkable protection against both the sun and the rain. While most of them are solvent-based, some brands allow you to dilute them with water to thin them out.
5. Sealant Tape
While the sealant options we’ve looked at so far are liquid, sealant tape comes in the form of moisture strips made out of moisture-resistant material. While it is the most affordable sealant option on the market, it is only designed as a temporary fix for minor leaks and gaping seams. Sealant tape is not supposed to be used as a solution for the entire roof.
Longevity
This is another important factor to consider when choosing the best sealant for roof shingles. While most sealants have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, always keep an eye out for those with a longer one. DAP and Red Devil sealants, which are both polyurethane-based, each have a lifespan of 50 years.
Keep in mind that your application technique and the prevailing weather conditions may affect how long you have before you need to touch up the sealant. Most manufacturers recommend applying it to a clean, dry surface in warm weather to give it enough time to cure properly.
Water Resistance
While all sealants offer some level of water resistance, polyurethane rubber and silicone roof coating have higher levels of waterproofing compared to other types. To create an impenetrable, waterproof barrier in the gaps between your shingles, apply multiple coats. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions while you’re at it.
Application
Different sealants have different methods of application. The process for applying a tape sealant, for instance, is pretty much self-explanatory. A liquid sealant will usually come in a caulk tube. You would have to use it with a caulk gun to squeeze the contents of the tube out through the nozzle.
When you have sealants in larger capacities, they usually come in a paint can or bucket. It would be ideal if you needed to apply it to a large area on your roof. Caulk guns are better suited to small repair jobs.
UV Reflectivity
The final thing you need to think about is the sun-deflective properties of the roofing sealant you pick. Choosing a product that offers UV resistance comes in handy during the summer since they reflect sunlight away from your home or RV roof. This, in turn, helps to keep your house cool. This will reduce your household air conditioning use, resulting in lower electric bills in the long run.
FAQ
Can I use roof sealant over shingles?
Yes, you can. Polyurethane and acrylic roof coating are particularly effective in sealing a leaky asphalt shingle or filling in the gaps between them to create a watertight seal. An acrylic sealant that comes in a spray can is pretty convenient for use over the entire roof to fill in gaps and fix minor chips and buckling.
Will silicone roof coating stick to shingles?
As a general rule, you should avoid using silicone, rubber, and neoprene-based sealants to glue shingles together. However, you can use them on the shingle surface to cover exposed roofing nails, seal gaps and leaks, or any other minor caulking application.
Can you put elastomeric roof coating over a shingle roof?
Yes, you can. That said, if there are any missing shingles on an old house or any broken pieces, you will need to fix them first using rubber acrylic or polyurethane caulk before applying shingle roof coating. Elastomeric roof coating is designed to seal off microscopic cracks that may allow moisture through, which could, in turn, damage your roof beams and boards.
Conclusion
Our top two picks for the best sealant for shingles would undoubtedly be Loctite and DAP. The performance of these two sealants is simply unmatched. That said, Sachco and Red Devil are excellent alternatives to consider. The truth is – any of them would make a solid choice for your roof repair.
